Abstract

Robotic telescopes are now widely spread. In this review we address first the main scientific requirements which are at the basis of the design of a new robotic telescope. Then we present several scientific issues which can be addressed with profit using robotic telescopes. They range from the study of the artificial environment of the Earth, to the distant cosmic gamma‐ray burst sources, including the hunt for minor planets, transiting extrasolar planets, and variable stars, etc.